Surrey: Begin Restoring Your Oral Health Today!

Amalgam (Silver) vs. Composite (Tooth-Coloured) Filling

In order to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks or fractures, fillings are used. These types of restorations are commonly used and can be completed within a single appointment. Both amalgam and composite fillings have their advantages and disadvantages, which Dr. Earmme would be happy to discuss with you prior to your procedure.

Fillings begin with the gentle removal and cleaning of the affected area prior to the placement and curing of the filling. Whether amalgam or composite, your filling can help save the tooth by preventing further acid and bacterial intrusion.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is a non-removable appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. The replacement of missing teeth is important, as it helps maintain facial shape, prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position, improves speaking and eating ability, and also helps to improve your smile. The space created by your missing tooth/teeth will be replaced by artificial tooth/teeth, called a “pontic,” which will be anchored by the teeth on either end that will be restored (these are called abutments). The materials generally used for a bridge are porcelain fused to metal, and gold.

This procedure requires two appointments. Your first visit will be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes in length, which includes the preparation of your two anchor teeth, and taking impressions to submit to the dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will be made by your dentist and inserted while your bridge is being fabricated.

Two weeks later, your bridge will be ready to insert. Your second appointment is typically only an hour in length, at which time the bridge will be gently cemented into place. We will also make any adjustments to help improve the comfort of the device.

Crowns (Caps)

Crowns are recommended when a tooth is broken or fractured, decayed, root canal treated or for cosmetic purposes. This treatment will restore a tooth to its original shape and size. The materials generally used for crowns are porcelain, ceramic and gold. Your dentist will carefully consider which material will be the best choice for you, as your crown will be custom made at a dental laboratory.

This procedure requires two appointments, your first being approximately 90 minutes in length, with a 24-minute follow-up appointment two weeks later. During your first appointment, we will create an impression of your tooth, which will be submitted to the dental laboratory. Your dentist will make a temporary crown, which will be inserted and worn between the two appointments.

Onlay (¾ Crown, Partial Crown)

Onlays are custom-made fillings, commonly used to repair a broken tooth, or replace a large filling. This restoration is generally made up of composite, gold or tooth-coloured porcelain. These can be a great alternative to traditional crowns, as less of your tooth’s natural structure is removed prior to restoration.

Onlays can be completed within two appointments, spread out two weeks apart. The first appointment is 90 minutes, the second only 40 minutes in length. During your first appointment, we will take impressions of the tooth, while preparing it for the onlay or partial crown. A temporary filling will be used between appointments while the onlay is being fabricated.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is required when the nerve of a tooth is affected by infection or decay. To save the tooth, the affected pulp (the tissue inside the tooth), nerves and bacteria are removed. The space is then filled with a medicated paste.

This treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a new infection can lead to the tooth being retreated. Some symptoms to help diagnose a RCT can be an abscess on the gums, hot and cold sensitivity, toothache, swelling or tenderness.

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be treated by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. All teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown placed to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.